2025 NBA DRAFT: TAKEAWAYS FROM THE 2ND ROUND AT BARCLAYS CENTER
BROOKLYN – On what is now Day 2 of the NBA Draft, everyone is hoping for a Taco Bell miracle of their own, after the Nuggets famously drafted Nikola Jokić at No. 41 during a commercial break in 2014.
Draymond Green’s selection at No. 35 (2012) played a key role in four Warriors championships, while Manu Ginobili (No. 57, 1999) did the same in four for the Spurs.
Sometimes, even the hits end up as misreads: the Mavericks landed an NBA talent in Jalen Brunson at No. 33 only for him to flourish into an All-Star, an All-NBA player and the 2024-25 Kia Clutch Player of the Year as a Knick following his free-agent defection in 2022.
Yet it’s that unprecedented selection of a future (three-time!) Kia Most Valuable Player which represents the extreme of success and an eternal fan ambition to have their front office be the one to outsmart all competition.
Will multiple starters, an All-Star, or – dare we hope upon hopes – a future MVP sneak out of these final 29 selections? The average NBA career is roughly 4.5 seasons. Many of Thursday’s picks will spend July trying to leverage any level of Summer League success into the guarantee that gets them there.
Thursday at Barclays Center, some teams spent the evening chasing intended targets, with others taking advantage to stack assets for the future.
The second round hadn’t even tipped when the NBA insider trade winds began blowing. The Suns, antsy about roster renovation, reportedly continued churning through options, striking a deal with the Nets to claim the No. 36 pick … which they flipped to the Timberwolves in a package to score No. 31.
Opening the action after four minutes on the clock, they tabbed St. Joseph’s product Rasheer Fleming – who led ESPN analyst Jay Bilas’ best available board entering Thursday’s action.
“I heard it a little bit before I walked out there,” Fleming said. “So at least I had a little idea of what was going on. It’s crazy. Nothing is guaranteed, so I was hearing it and taking heed of everything.
“That’s all I can ask for, a team to really, really want me to be there. I’m very grateful.”
Shortly after, with time ticking on the Celtics at No. 32, word came through that France’s Noah Penda would instead be routed to Orlando for Nos. 46 and 57, as well as 2026 and ’27 second-rounders.
The Hornets held firm at Nos. 33 and 34, selecting Sion James (Duke) and Ryan Kalkbrenner (Creighton); the 76ers drafted Johni Broome out of Auburn for additional optionality behind Joel Embiid. And then the Nets, original owners of No. 36, drafted Arkansas forward Adou Thiero … on behalf of the Suns Timberwolves Lakers as deals further compounded. The final cost: two future seconds (from the Suns), the No. 45 (Australian Rocco Zikarsky) and cash (from the Lakers), with the Wolves picking up a pair of seconds along the way (as they traded down from No. 31).
“Feels good, you know?” Thiero said. “Dream come true, and I’m just happy to be here. Playing for the Lakers, too? That’s a blessing.”
He acknowledged hearing trade chatter, but kept focused until the ultimate destination confirmed, which was all that mattered to him.
On a night that featured eight reported trades – though several could end up combined by the time deals are finalized – it was the Suns keeping the draft board fluid throughout; they added Kentucky wing Koby Brea at No. 41 (in a deal with Golden State).
“I started to get a little idea about it yesterday,” Brea said. “And then today, it was while they were on the clock – I realized, ‘OK this is going to happen.’ It was just unbelievable to know that such a great organization wanted me. I’m excited to get over there and get to work.”
2025 NBA DRAFT RESULTS: PICKS 1-59
(NBA.COM)
First Round
1. Mavericks draft Cooper Flagg (Duke)
2. Spurs draft Dylan Harper (Rutgers)
3. 76ers draft VJ Edgecombe (Baylor)
4. Hornets draft Kon Knueppel (Duke)
5. Jazz draft Ace Bailey (Rutgers)
6. Wizards draft Tre Johnson (Texas)
7. Pelicans draft Jeremiah Fears (Oklahoma)
8. Nets draft Egor Demin (BYU)
9. Raptors draft Collin Murray-Boyles (South Carolina)
10. Rockets draft Khaman Maluach (Duke) – Traded to Suns
11. Trail Blazers draft Cedric Coward (Washington State) – Traded to Grizzlies
12. Bulls draft Noa Essengue (Ratiopharm Ulm)
13. Hawks draft Derik Queen (Maryland)– Traded to Pelicans
14. Spurs draft Carter Bryant (Arizona)
15. Thunder draft Thomas Sorber (Georgetown)
16. Grizzlies draft Yang Hansen (Qingdao) – Traded to Trail Blazers
17. Timberwolves draft Joan Beringer (Cedevita Olimpija)
18. Wizards draft Walter Clayton Jr. (Florida) – Traded to Jazz
19. Nets draft Nolan Traoré (Saint-Quentin BB)
20. Heat draft Kasparas Jakučionis (Illinois)
21. Jazz draft Will Riley (Illinois) – Traded to Wizards
22. Hawks draft Drake Powell (North Carolina)– Traded to Nets
23. Pelicans draft Asa Newell (Georgia) – Traded to Hawks
24. Thunder draft Nique Clifford (Colorado State) – Traded to Kings
25. Magic draft Jase Richardson (Michigan State)
26. Nets draft Ben Saraf (Ratiopharm Ulm)
27. Nets draft Danny Wolf (Michigan)
28. Celtics draft Hugo González (Real Madrid)
29. Suns draft Liam McNeeley (Connecticut)– Traded to Hornets
30. Clippers draft Yanic Konan Niederhauser (Penn State)
Second Round
31. Timberwolves draft Rasheer Fleming (St. Joseph’s) – Traded to Suns
32. Celtics draft Noah Penda (Le Mans Sarthe Basket) – Traded to Magic
33. Hornets draft Sion James (Duke)
34. Hornets draft Ryan Kalkbrenner (Creighton)
35. 76ers draft Johni Broome (Auburn)
36. Nets draft Adou Thiero (Arkansas) – Traded to Lakers (via Suns & Wolves)
37. Pistons draft Chaz Lanier (Tennessee)
38. Spurs draft Kam Jones (Marquette) – Traded to Pacers
39. Raptors draft Alijah Martin (Florida)
40. Wizards draft Micah Peavy (Georgetown)– Traded to Pelicans
41. Warriors draft Koby Brea (Kentucky) – Traded to Suns
42. Kings draft Maxime Raynaud (Stanford)
43. Wizards draft Jamir Watkins (Florida State)
44. Thunder draft Brooks Barnhizer (Northwestern)
45. Bulls draft Rocco Zikarsky (Brisbane) – Traded to Wolves (via Lakers)
46. Magic draft Amari Williams (Kentucky) – Traded to Celtics
47. Bucks draft Bogoljub Marković (Mega Basket)
48. Grizzlies draft Javon Small (West Virginia)
49. Cavaliers draft Tyrese Proctor (Duke)
50. Knicks draft Kobe Sanders (Nevada) – Traded to Clippers
51. Clippers draft Mohamed Diawara (Cholet Basket)– Traded to Knicks
52. Suns draft Alex Toohey (Sydney Kings) – Traded to Warriors
53. Jazz draft John Tonje (Wisconsin)
54. Pacers draft Taelon Peter (Liberty)
55. Lakers draft Lachlan Olbrich (Illawarra Hawks) – Traded to Bulls
56. Grizzlies draft Will Richard (Florida) – Traded to Warriors
57. Magic draft Max Shulga (VCU) – Traded to Celtics
58. Cavaliers draft Saliou Niang (Trento)
59. Rockets draft Jahmai Mashack (Tennessee) – Reportedly traded to Grizzlies (via Warriors & Suns)
DYBANTSA, PETERSON, BOOZER HEADLINE LIST OF TOP LOTTERY CANDIDATES FOR 2026 NBA DRAFT
The NBA has had Victor Wembanyama and Cooper Flagg as obvious No. 1 overall draft picks in recent years. AJ Dybantsa has been headed toward that status for 2026.
The BYU signee has been a favorite to sit atop draft boards next summer and ranks as the nation’s top recruit by ESPN, On3 and Rivals. Kansas signee Darryn Peterson tops the list for 247Sports to make it a more open race for No. 1.
Here’s an early look next summer’s potential lottery prospects:
1. A.J. Dybantsa, BYU
The 6-foot-9 forward chose the Cougars over Kansas, North Carolina and Alabama. Athleticism and versatility shine through his rangy scoring skillset, notably when he attacks off the dribble and finishes at the rim. The Massachusetts native spent last year with Utah Prep and is on this summer’s USA Basketball Under-19 National Team for the FIBA World Cup.
2. Darryn Peterson, Kansas
The 6-5 guard from Ohio offers perimeter size with ability to play on or off the ball. He can attack off the dribble or step outside, offering potential to overwhelm smaller guards and impact games defensively. Peterson played last season with Prolific Prep in California and was co-MVP of the McDonald’s All-American game.
3. Cameron Boozer, Duke
The 6-9 forward joined twin Cayden in winning a high school national title and fourth straight Florida state title. The son of former Duke and NBA forward Carlos Boozer showed his inside-out game (22 points, 16 rebounds, six assists) leading the U.S. past the World team in the Nike Hoop Summit. He joined Peterson as the McDonald’s game co-MVP.
4. Nate Ament, Tennessee
The 6-9 forward is a McDonald’s All-American and Gatorade player of the year for Virginia with versatile skills. He’ll improve as he adds strength to his lean frame, though he stands out with ballhandling and shooting range.
5. Caleb Wilson, North Carolina
The 6-9 forward from Atlanta and McDonald’s All-American offers two-way potential with his athleticism and length, including as a shot blocker. The McDonald’s All-American announced his UNC commitment on TNT’s “Inside The NBA” show alongside former NBA players Shaquille O’Neal, Charles Barkley and Kenny Smith.
6. Chris Cenac Jr., Houston
ESPN and 247Sports rank Cenac as the nation’s top center, offering rangy skills and outside shooting that made him the MVP of the NBPA Top 100 camp in summer 2024. Houston coach Kelvin Sampson has said the McDonald’s All-American is “not a big man’s big man… he is a basketball player who happens to be 6-foot-10.”
7. Karim Lopez, New Zealand Breakers (Australia)
The versatile 6-8 wing from Mexico is part of the National Basketball League’s “Next Stars” program designed to develop high-end prospects, averaging 9.6 points and 4.7 assists in his 2024-25 debut season. He turns 18 in December.
8. Jayden Quaintance, Kentucky
The 6-9 forward was a top-10 recruit last year entering Arizona State, where he averaged 9.4 points, 7.9 rebounds and 2.6 blocks. He later transferred to join the Wildcats.
9. Mikel Brown Jr., Louisville
The 6-3 McDonald’s All-American is big signee for Pat Kelsey entering Year 2 of his tenure with the Cardinals, ranking as the No. 1 point guard prospect for Rivals. He joined Dybantsa in making the U.S. U-19 team.
10. Darius Acuff Jr., Arkansas
The 6-2 Acuff is the top point guard prospect for 247Sports (No. 5 overall) and ESPN (No. 7). The McDonald’s All-American operates smoothly in the pick-and-roll with the ability to attack defenders off the dribble and from 3-point range.
11. Tounde Yessoufou, Baylor
ESPN’s ninth-ranked recruit offers a sturdy frame (roughly 6-5 and 210 pounds) and versatile athleticism while being known for a high-motor style. He had 24 points for the World team against the U.S. in the Nike Hoop Summit in April.
12. Dash Daniels, Melbourne United (Australia)
Like Lopez, the younger brother of Atlanta Hawks guard Dyson Daniels is will play for the NBL’s “Next Stars” program. Dash is a 6-6 point guard who has been through NBA Academy Australia.
13. Isaiah Evans, Duke
The 6-6 guard withdrew from this year’s draft and must add strength to a 175-pound frame. But there’s clear upside with his explosive scoring potential, such as hitting six first-half 3s out of nowhere against Auburn in December.
14. Labaron Philon, Alabama
The 6-4 freshman point guard was a last-minute draft withdrawal. He averaged 10.6 points and 3.8 assists for an Elite Eight team that just lost Associated Press first-team All-American Mark Sears from the backcourt.
Others to watch (in alphabetical order):
—ALIJAH ARENAS: The son of former NBA guard Gilbert Arenas is a McDonald’s All-American known for scoring and court vision, but the 6-6 guard’s status is unclear as he’s still working back from an April truck accident that had him placed in a medically induced coma. Arenas avoided major injury and said this week he works out daily, with the plan of soon joining USC summer workouts.
— MILES BYRD: The 6-7 guard from San Diego State withdrew from the draft after averaging 12.3 points, 4.4 rebounds and 2.7 assists as a redshirt sophomore.
— IAN JACKSON: The 6-4 guard averaged 11.9 points while shooting 39.5% from 3-point range at North Carolina as a five-star freshman before transferring to St. John’s.
— YAXEL LENDEBORG: The 6-9, 240-pound forward has gone from junior college to UAB and now Michigan. He withdrew from the draft after averaging 15.8 points and 11.0 rebounds in two seasons with the Blazers.
— TAHAAD PETTIFORD: The 6-1 freshman averaged 11.6 points and shot 36.6% on 3s for Auburn’s Final Four team. He’s set for a leading role after withdrawing from the draft.
— MELEEK THOMAS: The 6-4 guard averaged 33.5 points per 40 minutes with Overtime Elite. He’s a McDonald’s All-American who signed with Arkansas.
REPORT: LAKERS’ AUSTIN REAVES DECLINES $89M MAX EXTENSION
Los Angeles Lakers guard Austin Reaves declined a max extension this week that would have paid him $89.2 million over the next four seasons, The Athletic reported Thursday.
Reaves, 27, is heading into the third season of a four-year, $54 million contract he signed in July 2023 as a restricted free agent.
He can opt out of that deal next summer and become an unrestricted free agent, potentially landing a much more lucrative and longer-term contract.
Reaves is betting on himself after averaging a career-high 20.2 points, 5.8 assists and 4.5 rebounds in 73 games (all starts) in 2024-25. He shot 37.7 percent from behind the arc and led the Lakers with 200 3-pointers.
Reaves is not necessarily looking for a change of scenery.
“I want to be in L.A.,” he said earlier this month, per CBS Sports. “If they want to trade me, then we’ll start something new somewhere else. But like I said, I want to be in L.A. I want to be in L.A. I want to play my whole career in L.A.
“I love it there. I love the fans. Love the weather, love the golf. And obviously the Lakers is the best organization in basketball. I don’t pay attention to (the noise). I keep my head down, work, and I feel like that’s one of the reasons I’m where I’m at.”
Undrafted in 2021, Reaves owns career averages of 14.5 points, 4.3 assists and 3.8 rebounds in 280 games (171 starts) for the Lakers. He ranks ninth in franchise history with 493 3-point field goals.
GM: JASON KIDD RETURNING TO COACH MAVERICKS NEXT SEASON
Jason Kidd will be No. 1 draft pick Cooper Flagg’s first NBA coach.
That’s what Mavericks general manager Nico Harrison told reporters Wednesday night after Dallas selected the Duke star in the draft.
There have been rumblings that Kidd wants to pursue the head coaching job with the New York Knicks, even though the Mavericks denied the team’s interest in interviewing him.
“Are there rumors still out there about J-Kidd?” Harrison said. “I thought I shut them down. Yes, he will be the coach next year.”
The Knicks fired head coach Tom Thibodeau on June 3 and have been rebuffed by the Mavericks and at least four other teams in efforts to interview their head coaches.
Kidd, 52, has two years remaining on his contract with the Mavericks. He has been Dallas’ head coach since the 2021-22 season and has a 179-149 record. He led the team to the NBA Finals in the 2023-24 season, losing in five games to the Boston Celtics.
The Mavericks, amid upheaval following the trade of Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers, did not make the playoffs in the recently ended season, finishing 39-43.
Flagg told ESPN he already has started to build a rapport with the Hall of Fame member.
“I think he has a lot of confidence in me to just come in and be an impact player,” Flagg told ESPN. “He’s going to let me have the ball a little, I think, and just try to rock out and do what I can do.”
Kidd also has been the head coach of the Brooklyn Nets (2013-14) and Milwaukee Bucks (2014-18).
